- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $9,800
The largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is a nation of great geographical and cultural variety. From the winter sport oasis of Almaty, the country’s largest city situated at the base of the Tien Shan Mountains, to the beaches and spas of the Caspian coast, Kazakhstan provides visitors with an endless number of treks and hikes, particularly in natural areas such as the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve.
With such a rich and intricate history, including influences from many different tribes and people, Kazakhstan offers a wealth of sites worth visiting, from underground mosques to a petroglyph site famous for its rock carvings of the Buddha. Nature lovers will adore the treks around Issyk Lake and Big Almaty Lake, and for those looking for a unique experience, strap on your skates at Medeo ice rink, the highest ice skating rink in the world.
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Those seeking to enjoy the beauty of Kazahkstan’s nature will find a hiker’s paradise in Turgen Gorge, a landscape rich with hot springs, waterfalls, meadows, lakes and coniferous forests. A full exploration of the area may take at least a week’s worth of hiking, biking, climbing and rafting. The best way to experience Turgen Gorge’s natural beauty is to camp within these stunning surroundings. Bed down in cozy tents on the banks of glacial lakes and wake up with the sun and the birdsong, ready for another day of discovery. Breathing in the fresh mountain air and jumping into the lake for an invigorating morning swim is surely the best way to forget the hustle and bustle of real life.
Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.
Lying between the Alatau Mountains and the surrounding plains, the Hyatt Regency Almaty is a five-star hotel boasting some excellent facilities and even better views. As soon as you step inside the impressive lobby and are greeted by the friendly staff, the reasons become clear as to why this is one of the most popular hotels in town. The 285 elegant and well thought out rooms and suites include all the modern conveniences expected with a luxury hotel, such as air conditioning, mini-bar, high-speed Wi-Fi broadband and a satellite TV. Guests also have the choice of two fine restaurants. The Grill serves up mouth-watering steaks while the other, Dzhambul Restaurant, has a wide variety of local and international flavors on its menu. There’s also a beer garden out back – a great spot for sinking a few cool ones on a warm summer’s day.
A trip to Charyn Canyon, a 150km long vista of sheer cliffs and dramatic erosion formed 3 million years ago, is memorable and a true sight to behold. After an adventure-filled day exploring Charyn National Park, unwind and rest at the small town of Shonzhy, home to the country’s most visited and well-known hot springs. Shonzhy has 140 hot springs and is a popular getaway for locals seeking a heated oasis from the country’s cold winters. There are a number of small hotels with modern and comfortable rooms that offer outdoor and indoor springs. The Kara Dala hotel features 6 different pools, clean rooms, hospitable staff, and tasty meals. Although all accommodation here is simple, soaking in natural hot springs is an opportunity to experience local-style recreation.
From the moment guests walk into the golden, adorned lobby of the Marriott Astana Hotel, they will be whisked away into a world of all things chic, sleek and sophisticated. Located just steps from the shops and restaurants of the new city center of Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, the Marriott offers guests the best location to take in the nearby city sights, such as the Bayterek monument and the city parks. With over 270 guestrooms and suites and an on-site health club and indoor pool, guests of the Marriott can relax after a busy day of sightseeing and shopping before enjoying a gourmet meal at Aroma Restaurant. To cap off the night, visitors can indulge in a cocktail and a view at Vista Sky Lounge, overlooking the capital city.
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The best time to visit Kazakhstan is from May to September, when the wild steppe flowers are in full bloom and the weather is excellent for hiking.
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